Research

17 pages, 2544 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bibliometric Performance and Future Relevance of Virtual Manufacturing Technology in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

by Yawo Mamoua Kobara and Ikpe Justice Akpan

Systems 2023, 11(10), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11100524 - 21 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1636

Virtual manufacturing (VM) technology emerged in the 1980s as a revolutionary strategy to optimize and streamline the entire product/service manufacturing lifecycle. However, over the years, its popularity appears to have waned. Further, the advent of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) or Industry 4.0 [...] Read more.

Virtual manufacturing (VM) technology emerged in the 1980s as a revolutionary strategy to optimize and streamline the entire product/service manufacturing lifecycle. However, over the years, its popularity appears to have waned. Further, the advent of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) or Industry 4.0 brings with it other integrated digital technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, and digital twin (DT), among others. DT offers functions like VM plus other benefits, including intelligent manufacturing, to revolutionize future manufacturing operations activities and predictive capability using real-time data. This paper employs bibliographic metadata from publications indexed on SCOPUS to evaluate the recent trends in VM research and develop predictive models to forecast VM’s future trajectory and relevance in 4IR. The results of the bibliometric evaluation of VM-related scientific literature publications show a rapidly declining research productivity and highlight an exponential decline from the mid-2000s. This period of VM publication decline coincides with the advent of 4IR and DT technology, which are trending. The results of the predictive analytics using the quadratic regression model created in this study to forecast the future relevance of VM in the 4IR era suggest that VM publications show a similar conclusion. VM research output increased until 2009 and then started decreasing exponentially. The quadratic model implies an exponential decrease in yearly VM publications. Future works can evaluate DT and VM research trends from the last two decades. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation in Services Production Systems and Product Manufacturing)

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17 pages, 420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Entrepreneurial Strategic Orientation: Prerequisite for SMEs Success in IoT and Digital Transformation Sphere?

by Mirjana Cvijić Čović, Jelena Borocki, Vladimir Djaković, Aleksandar Vekić and Andrea Okanović

Systems 2023, 11(6), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11060272 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1501

Abstract

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is a multidimensional construct that reflects a firm’s tendency to be innovative, proactive, and risk-taking. Previous research has demonstrated that companies with a strong EO possess a competitive advantage in the market when compared to those with a conservative approach [...] Read more.

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is a multidimensional construct that reflects a firm’s tendency to be innovative, proactive, and risk-taking. Previous research has demonstrated that companies with a strong EO possess a competitive advantage in the market when compared to those with a conservative approach to management. The objective of this study is to analyse the entrepreneurial orientation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using the ENTRE-U scale and to identify the dimensions of EO that are critical for achieving business success in the context of digital transformation and IoT implementation. The identification of these dimensions is facilitated through a survey method and exploratory factor analysis. After administering the ENTRE-U scale to a representative sample of SMEs that use modern technologies, such as IoT, four distinct dimensions of EO emerged. Each dimension of EO has a significant impact on firm performance. By adhering to the established EO dimensions and using the proposed methodology, managers can develop an efficient business model that aligns with the current digital market demands, enhances SMEs (survival, resilience, and sustainability), and addresses the high uncertainty prevalent in today’s business environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation in Services Production Systems and Product Manufacturing)

14 pages, 2262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adoption of AI-Based Technologies in the Food Supplement Industry: An Italian Start-Up Case Study

by Mattia Rapa, Salvatore Ciano, Francesca Orsini, Maria Giulia Tullo, Vanessa Giannetti and Maurizio Boccacci Mariani

Systems 2023, 11(6), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11060265 - 23 May 2023

Viewed by 2100

Abstract

Although many industries have already implemented technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI) in their business, the effects of new digital solutions on customer satisfaction are not yet fully known. This study aimed to evaluate the AI-based advice implemented by an Italian start-up operating [...] Read more.

Although many industries have already implemented technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI) in their business, the effects of new digital solutions on customer satisfaction are not yet fully known. This study aimed to evaluate the AI-based advice implemented by an Italian start-up operating in food supplements to support customer choices. The evaluation utilized the Delphi method and a questionnaire survey. This research aimed to provide companies wishing to use AI with a preliminary evaluation criterion for improving customer satisfaction through digital approaches. Research findings indicate that AI-based advice can improve customer perspectives, such as customer satisfaction and loyalty, by providing a value-added business service, diversified for each product category. However, some mistakes have emerged, which may still be a limitation in the use of AI-based advice. Therefore, this study presents an innovative approach to evaluate the performance of digital advice in traditional sectors such as the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation in Services Production Systems and Product Manufacturing)

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13 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stop Guessing in the Dark: Identified Requirements for Digital Product Passport Systems

by Maike Jansen, Tobias Meisen, Christiane Plociennik, Holger Berg, André Pomp and Waldemar Windholz

Systems 2023, 11(3), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11030123 - 25 Feb 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4819

Abstract

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a concept for collecting and sharing product-related information along the life cycle of a product. DPPs are currently the subject of intense discussion, and various development efforts are being undertaken. These are supported by regulatory activities, especially [...] Read more.

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a concept for collecting and sharing product-related information along the life cycle of a product. DPPs are currently the subject of intense discussion, and various development efforts are being undertaken. These are supported by regulatory activities, especially in the case of the battery passport. The aggregation of product life-cycle data and their respective use, as well as the sharing of these data between companies, entrepreneurs, and other actors in the value chain, is crucial for the creation of a resource-efficient circular economy. Despite the urgent need for such a solution, there is currently little attention given to the digital infrastructure for the creation and handling of the DPPs (i.e., the so-called DPP system). Moreover, there is so far no common understanding of what the requirements for a DPP system are. This is the background and underlying motivation of our paper: we identify the requirements for a DPP system in a structured way, i.e., based on stakeholder involvement and current literature from science and industry. In addition, we compose, categorize, and critically analyze the results, i.e., the list of requirements for DPP systems, in order to identify gaps. Summarized, our research provides insights into the criteria to be considered in the creation of an actual DPP system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation in Services Production Systems and Product Manufacturing)

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17 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Technology Driving Exploratory Innovation in the Enterprise: A Mediated Model with Moderation

by Jian-Li Gao, Yang Chen and Xiao-Qing Zhang

Systems 2023, 11(3), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11030118 - 24 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2010

Abstract

Emerging digital technologies, with their great advantages in resource convergence, opportunity identification, supply-demand docking and knowledge sharing, are breaking and subverting traditional business concepts and providing a new impetus and opportunities for enterprise innovation activities. Therefore, it is valuable to explore how digital [...] Read more.

Emerging digital technologies, with their great advantages in resource convergence, opportunity identification, supply-demand docking and knowledge sharing, are breaking and subverting traditional business concepts and providing a new impetus and opportunities for enterprise innovation activities. Therefore, it is valuable to explore how digital technology affects exploratory innovation to gain a sustainable competitive advantage in a dynamic and changing market environment. Based on data from Chinese A-share high-tech manufacturing listed companies from 2012 to 2020, this paper empirically tests the impact of digital technology on enterprise exploratory innovation by using a fixed effects negative binomial regression model and further explores the intermediate mechanism and boundary conditions between the two. The results show that digital technology has a significant positive impact on enterprise exploratory innovation, and that knowledge breadth plays a mediating role; high network centrality can effectively strengthen the positive impact of digital technology on enterprise knowledge breadth, thus promoting enterprise exploratory innovation. The conclusion enriches and expands the theoretical and empirical research on the driving effect of digital technology innovation, and provides strong practical guidance for encouraging enterprises to achieve exploratory innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation in Services Production Systems and Product Manufacturing)

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24 pages, 4601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Energy-Driven Construction Industry: Digital Green Innovation Investment Project Selection of Photovoltaic Building Materials Enterprises Using an Integrated Fuzzy Decision Approach

by Tong Dong, Shi Yin and Nan Zhang

Systems 2023, 11(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11010011 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 3668

Abstract

In the context of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, digital green innovation development is becoming more and more important for enterprises. In order to effectively improve green competitiveness and increase profits, photovoltaic building materials enterprises must choose digital green innovation projects for investment. [...] Read more.

In the context of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, digital green innovation development is becoming more and more important for enterprises. In order to effectively improve green competitiveness and increase profits, photovoltaic building materials enterprises must choose digital green innovation projects for investment. The purpose of this study is to build a reasonable investment project selection framework system and propose appropriate methods for photovoltaic building materials enterprises to help them correctly choose digital green innovation investment projects. This study firstly combines relevant theories and digital green innovation characteristics of target investment projects to build a framework system for photovoltaic building materials enterprises to select investment projects. Secondly, this study innovatively proposes a dynamic intuitionistic fuzzy multi-attribute group decision-making method considering the interaction between attributes. Finally, this study takes Yingli Group as the research object and conducts an empirical study on it to verify the scientific nature and reliability of the framework system and method selection. The results show that the framework system includes four aspects: external support system, commercialization expectation, project operation ability and project operation resources. Yingli Group should choose project A₃ for cooperation. The framework system and method proposed in this study are feasible and can help Yingli Group correctly choose digital green innovation investment projects. At the same time, this study also brings positive enlightenment to other photovoltaic building materials enterprises in the world when choosing digital green innovation investment projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation in Services Production Systems and Product Manufacturing)

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21 pages, 1311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Consumer Identity in Using Sustainable Mobility as a Service System in a Commuting Scenario

by Ming Cao and Chun Yang

Systems 2022, 10(6), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems10060223 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

Social and economic development leads to the continuous urbanization process, accompanied by the increasingly prominent traffic congestion problem. Traffic congestion also brings problems such as serious environmental pollution and intensified social conflicts. Therefore, how to alleviate traffic congestion has become a concern of [...] Read more.

Social and economic development leads to the continuous urbanization process, accompanied by the increasingly prominent traffic congestion problem. Traffic congestion also brings problems such as serious environmental pollution and intensified social conflicts. Therefore, how to alleviate traffic congestion has become a concern of the government and related researchers. As the main cause of urban traffic, the efficiency of urban commuting is considered as the best embodiment of urban functionality. The mobile as a service (Maas) system may be a better solution. In order to make the mobile as a service system more popular, it is necessary to understand the internal motivations driving people’s corresponding behaviors. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the internal logic of consumer identity, attitude and related intentions through a structural equation model and chi-square analyses. The final behavioral intention of commuting consumers towards MaaS was explored by integrating relevant theoretical models and comparing different levels of identification and the views of different consumers towards MaaS. A result was provided that can be used by relevant government agencies or practitioners in order to gain a deeper understanding of the internal perceptions of consumers and promote the optimization and innovation of MaaS systems. In addition, the results of this study also identified the potential necessary factors for the adoption of MaaS by commuting consumers, which may influence the improvement or development of relevant policies. The results showed that the model used in this study was applicable to the consumption cognition of the MaaS system in the commuting scenario, which shows that the model has a certain effect in explaining consumers’ sustainable consumption attitudes, identities and intentions. The internalization of sustainable identity is the most important part for consumers, which indicates that consumers attach great importance to self-value affirmation and mutual affirmation of sustainable concepts. However, in the consumer group, there were still some consumers who had not transformed their sustainable attitudes and recognitions into actual behavior. Converting such consumers is, therefore, crucial and an important step towards sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation in Services Production Systems and Product Manufacturing)

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17 pages, 1157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Two-Stage SEM–Artificial Neural Network Analysis of Integrating Ethical and Quality Requirements in Accounting Digital Technologies

by Claudiu George Bocean and Anca Antoaneta Vărzaru

Systems 2022, 10(4), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems10040121 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2553

Abstract

Digital technologies affect all areas and activities of society. Accounting is no exception to this trend, as organizational information system accounting increasingly integrates digital technologies. The paper aims to study the integration of ethical requirements with the quality requirements in implementing digital technologies [...] Read more.

Digital technologies affect all areas and activities of society. Accounting is no exception to this trend, as organizational information system accounting increasingly integrates digital technologies. The paper aims to study the integration of ethical requirements with the quality requirements in implementing digital technologies based on artificial intelligence, blockchain, the internet of things, and cloud computing in financial and managerial accounting. This empirical study of 396 accountants from Romanian organizations involves investigating the influence of ethical and quality requirements of digital technologies on the perception of users’ satisfaction in financial and managerial accounting. Empirical research encompasses a quantitative approach using structural equation modeling and artificial neural network analysis in a two-stage procedure. Some of the existing ethical issues can be addressed by implementing new digital technologies but implementing these emerging technologies can generate other ethical and quality issues that accounting and IT professionals must address in a combined effort. The research results show that the ethical requirements that influence the perception of financial and managerial accounting are security and trust. Among the quality requirements, the most critical influence in the perception of accountants is reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation in Services Production Systems and Product Manufacturing)

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14 pages, 575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Generalized Stochastic Cost–Volume–Profit Model

by Hongyan Liang, Alfred L. Guiffrida, Zilong Liu, Butje Eddy Patuwo and Murali Shanker

Systems 2021, 9(4), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems9040081 - 11 Nov 2021

Viewed by 4971

Abstract

Cost–volume–profit (CVP) analysis is a widely used decision tool across many business disciplines. The current literature on stochastic applications of the CVP model is limited in that the model is studied under the restrictive forms of the Gaussian and Lognormal distributions. In this [...] Read more.

Cost–volume–profit (CVP) analysis is a widely used decision tool across many business disciplines. The current literature on stochastic applications of the CVP model is limited in that the model is studied under the restrictive forms of the Gaussian and Lognormal distributions. In this paper we introduce the Mellin Transform as a methodology to generalize stochastic modeling of the CVP problem. We demonstrate the versatility of using the Mellin transform to model the CVP problem, and present a generalization of the CVP model when the contribution margin and sales volume are both defined by continuous random distributions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation in Services Production Systems and Product Manufacturing)

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